The Portman Village plan outlined by the council a few months back has had some more detail filled in. The plan which seeks to align the developments at Portman Road with the car park and hotel plan for the Cattlemarket and the work on the old Churchman's factory now has additional aims.
It seems that the area will become a leisure, residential and business centre with much more building work planned. The land opposite Fitness First used for parking is one area thought ripe for development as well as the car park behind Kartouche which may see another multi-storey.
Most interesting to Town fans is the suggestion that Portman Road and Sir Alf Ramsey Way could soon be paved. The idea is that that entire area of Town will have a village feel with walkway links. Mike Smith, the chief planning officer said of this plan: "At the moment the football ground sits on an island bounded by roads. Paving Portman Road would help the club reach out into the surrounding area."
It is thought that Sir Alf Ramsey Way could be pedestrianised as part of the North Stand development and might form the first part in this scheme.
Fabrice Fernandes, the Rennes player on loan at Fulham, who was linked with Town over the weekend looks set to join Rangers. The player, who has fallen out with Jean Tigana, is said to have set his heart on a move to Ibrox.
Fernandes is travelling to Ibrox today for talks, however things seeem to have moved very swiftly already: "I have spoken to David Murray and Dick Advocaat and they have impressed me very much. I have now set my heart on joining Rangers and I am so determined to make this deal go through that I am prepared to forget about the promotion bonus money Fulham owe me."
Isn't that generous of the lad?
Today's Do You Remember? hero is John Peddelty. We've been surprised that quite so many people had asked for him, but now's the chance to tell us youngsters what he was all about. Click the link on the Message Board: http://www.twtd.co.uk/messages